District Forester-New River District
About The Position
The Virginia Department of Forestry (VDOF) is seeking an experienced forester for a District Forester position in DOF's Western Region. Counties within the district include: Grayson, Wythe, Bland, Carroll, Pulaski, Floyd, Patrick, Henry and Franklin. This District Forester will supervise and manage field staff in the New River District while promoting the agency mission and strategic goals. This position will include a mix of office and field time, often working closely with VDOF staff to provide developmental guidance. VDOF District Foresters lead and supervise a staff of foresters, technicians, and specialists in a district and provide direction, oversight, and work planning in program delivery for the following areas: forest management, fire suppression, forestland conservation, urban & community forestry, conservation education, forest health, and enforcement of water quality and fire laws. The position represents the agency in local forestry related issues, mentors and trains staff members, evaluates and provides feedback to staff on an on-going basis, develops annual work profiles and performance evaluations for assigned employees, and manages assigned staff to efficiently and effectively deliver agency services. The District Forester is also responsible for ensuring maintenance needs are met for any agency facilities located in their assigned district, which includes soliciting private vendors to perform needed repairs, manage office cleaning and yard maintenance contracts, and working with regional staff on the procurement of services related to facility maintenance needs. Within 6 months of hire, the chosen candidate must reside within the VDOF New River District and within an hour driving radius of the Matthew State Forest Galax office. Take home state vehicle is provided.
Requirements
- Leadership experience and desire to mentor new employees
- Demonstrated presentation skills and ability to develop & lead successful training programs
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
- Training or equivalent experience in forest management, wildland fire, watershed management, natural resource conservation, forest health, and urban and community forestry
- Knowledge of effective leadership techniques and practices
- Knowledge of applicable policies and procedures, laws, and regulations
- Excellent organizational skills
- Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with personnel from various state and federal agencies, local planners, cooperators, and the public
- Excellent written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills
- Valid driver’s license
- Ability to negotiate different types of forested terrain on foot
- Walk over and through logging debris, heavy brush, mud, swamps, and other adverse terrain
- Climb onto and around heavy equipment
- Ability to travel around the state and stay overnight on occasion
- Experience with and ability to use a PC and Microsoft Office software required
- As a responder on wildfires, must be willing and able to be on call during Spring and Fall fire seasons
- Within one year of hire, must complete CDL training
- Must pass moderate physical fitness test, per Federal guidelines. The test consists of walking 2 miles in 30 minutes carrying a 25-pound pack
- Selected candidate is required to pass a criminal background check and a drug test
Nice To Haves
- 5 years + of technical forestry experience, leadership training or equivalent experience leading employees.
Responsibilities
- Supervise and manage field staff in the New River District
- Promote the agency mission and strategic goals
- Provide developmental guidance to VDOF staff
- Lead and supervise a staff of foresters, technicians, and specialists
- Provide direction, oversight, and work planning in program delivery for forest management, fire suppression, forestland conservation, urban & community forestry, conservation education, forest health, and enforcement of water quality and fire laws
- Represent the agency in local forestry related issues
- Mentor and train staff members
- Evaluate and provide feedback to staff
- Develop annual work profiles and performance evaluations for assigned employees
- Manage assigned staff to efficiently and effectively deliver agency services
- Ensure maintenance needs are met for agency facilities
- Solicit private vendors to perform needed repairs
- Manage office cleaning and yard maintenance contracts
- Work with regional staff on the procurement of services related to facility maintenance needs
Stand Out From the Crowd
Upload your resume and get instant feedback on how well it matches this job.
What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Manager
Education Level
No Education Listed
